Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, WHS-compliant process for using laser levelling equipment in masonry work, from site setup through to verification of finished levels. It helps masonry crews achieve precise, repeatable results while controlling risks such as eye injuries, trip hazards, electrical risks and equipment misuse on Australian construction sites.

Laser levelling has become a standard tool in modern masonry, allowing bricklayers and stonemasons to set out courses, walls, footings and paving with high accuracy and speed. However, the combination of laser beams, tripods, batteries, extension leads, uneven ground and busy construction environments introduces a range of safety and quality risks if the process is not controlled. This Laser Levelling in Masonry Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step-by-step method for planning, setting up, operating and maintaining laser levelling equipment specifically in masonry applications.

The SOP is designed for Australian masonry and construction businesses that need to demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation while maintaining tight tolerances on levels and alignment. It addresses practical site issues such as working around scaffolding, wet or dusty conditions, other trades, and public access areas. By implementing this procedure, your business can reduce rework caused by incorrect levels, minimise the likelihood of eye exposure to laser beams, control trip and electrical hazards, and ensure consistent training for workers and subcontractors. The document supports both small residential crews and large commercial projects, providing a defensible, auditable system of work that aligns with relevant Australian Standards and Codes of Practice.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, accurate levels in masonry work, reducing rework and material wastage.
• Reduce the risk of eye injuries and other incidents associated with improper use of laser levelling equipment.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS obligations for plant use, electrical safety and construction work.
• Standardise training and expectations across crews, subcontractors and apprentices.
• Streamline site setup and levelling workflows, improving productivity and coordination with other trades.

Who is this for?

• Bricklayers
• Blocklayers
• Stonemasons
• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Leading Hands
• WHS Advisors
• Civil and Commercial Construction Contractors
• Residential Builders
• Apprentice Bricklayers and Trainees

Hazards Addressed

• Eye exposure to laser beams from line and rotary lasers
• Trips and falls from laser tripods, cables and uneven ground
• Electrical shock or fire from damaged cords, chargers or power sources
• Manual handling strains from lifting and positioning tripods, batteries and equipment cases
• Slips, trips and falls when setting up lasers on wet, muddy or debris-covered surfaces
• Equipment instability and collapse due to poor tripod placement or ground conditions
• Collision with mobile plant or materials where lasers are set up in trafficable areas
• Exposure to dust and moisture affecting electrical equipment and visibility of laser lines
• Working at height near scaffolding, ledges or openings while sighting or adjusting levels

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope – Laser Levelling in Masonry Applications
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Laser Levelling Equipment
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Workers, Contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Job Planning for Laser Levelling
• 6.0 Required Competencies, Training and Licensing
• 7.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials (Lasers, Tripods, Receivers, Batteries)
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 9.0 Pre-Start Checks and Inspection of Laser Levelling Equipment
• 10.0 Site Preparation and Safe Work Area Setup
• 11.0 Safe Setup of Laser Levels (Positioning, Stability, Power Supply)
• 12.0 Operating Procedure for Laser Levelling in Masonry (Step-by-Step)
• 13.0 Working Around Scaffolding, Edges and Other Trades
• 14.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures (Eye Safety, Trips, Electrical, Manual Handling)
• 15.0 Environmental Considerations (Dust, Moisture, Low Light, Outdoor Glare)
• 16.0 Lock-out, Tag-out and Faulty Equipment Management
• 17.0 Housekeeping and Cable Management Requirements
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
• 19.0 Post-Use Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance of Laser Equipment
• 20.0 Documentation, Records and Inspection Checklists
• 21.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• AS/NZS 2211.1: Safety of laser products – Equipment classification and requirements
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing (for general PPE guidance)
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines